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Head of Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation retiring

BOSTON (AP) -- The head of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation has announced plans to retire.

Michael Widmer has been president since 1992 of the non-partisan research organization that has been influential in state budget analysis and other major public policy issues.

Widmer announced on Tuesday that he plans to remain in his role until his successor is chosen. A seven-member search panel headed by Karen Green, a partner at the law firm Wilmer Hale and a member of the foundation's executive committee, will lead the search for a new president.

Widmer began his career as a journalist and once worked in the administration of former Gov. Michael Dukakis.

The foundation was among the groups that led the effort last year to repeal a short-lived state tax on computer and software services.